When your home floods, it could be a potentially dire situation.  After the flooding occurs, we have to face many challenges that must be taken care of.   In this article, we will present useful tips that will help you clean up your home after flooding and restore it to its proper condition.

Cut off electricity

The first thing we should do in this situation is to cut off the power and disconnect all electronic devices. Check all plugs to make sure they have not come in contact with water. Some devices may have a charged battery and electricity may still be present.

Dry the house

After the flood, the sooner your home dries, the better. In this way, you can minimize mold problems and perhaps prevent mold so that it does not grow at all in the future. Using things like dehumidifiers, fans or heaters helps you dry your home faster and get the situation under control. First, make sure that your devices are secure. If the air outside is dry and the wind blows, open the windows to ventilate the house. Move furniture and appliances to a place that is not only dry but also safe. You also need to wear rubber boots and gloves to prevent infection. Remember that rain causes overflow of strains, which is why your house may be flooded with sewage.

Throw away certain things

Make sure that these wet items do not move to other places in your home as they can spread the mold problem. Instead, you should take them directly to a dustbin and throw them away. If possible, put plastic bags on these items before moving to prevent mold from spreading. You’ll have to decide whether to throw away these things or clean them, and keep them for when you can take them back home. Although this will mean that you will get rid of many of your belongings, you will have to throw away everything that cannot be clean and dry in a maximum period of 48 hours, which is the time needed for mold to grow.

Cleaning soiled items

Hard surfaces, non-porous objects that do not absorb water can be cleaned with detergents. After these items dry, you can safely return them home without worrying about causing mold. It is best to get rid of porous elements that absorb water and can not be completely dried in 24-48 hours. Moldy objects that grow on them and cannot be cleaned properly should also be discarded. You must clean and disinfect floors, walls and any surfaces that may have come into contact with water. To do this, we recommend using chlorine. Mix 3/4 cup of this product with a bucket of water.

 

For more information on water damage and plumbing, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other cities in New Jersey, such as Verona, Cedar Grove and East Hanover.